Applications & Interviews: CV & Covering Letters: How to layout a CV

Accountancy employers are sure to receive a huge amount of job applications for every vacancy, so your CV is vitally important. There are many ways you can layout a CV and each of these can play to different strengths.

In this article, we look at the different ways you can layout a CV and hopefully help you decide which is best for you.

How to layout a CV

Chronological order

This is the most commonly used format, and lists all employment and education in chronological order. Employers have become familiar with it and therefore it makes it quicker for them to scan and read the document. However, if you are young then it could focus too much on your age.

Usually, this will be in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent experience and qualifications and working backwords.

When should I use a chronological CV?

You are progressing in the same career path and you can use a chronological CV to show any promotions you achieved

You want to put your current experience first

When shouldn’t I use a chronological CV?

However, there are circumstances in which a chronological CV isn’t suitable. For example;

If you are changing careers

You have held a number of short-term jobs in different industries

You have gaps in your employment history

Skills based

A skills based CV abandons the traditional chronological format and instead emphasises the skills and achievements. You should opt for this type of CV if you have changed jobs frequently, changing industry or if you are more mature, as it may take the spotlight away from your age.

A combined CV

If you can’t decide which CV layout is right for you, or you like the sound of both, then a combined CV is your best bet.

This type of CV is becoming more popular, and retains the fixed order of the chronological CV but while emphasising skills and achievements.

Here is how you should lay out a combined CV;

Personal details

Summary of qualifications

Skills, knowledge, attributes, abilities

Employment history

Professional development

Interests

References

When should I use a combined CV?

You should use a combined CV if you;

Have strong career progression with many achievements

Want to sell your strengths as well as your experience

For example, if you undertook an accountancy placement or internship and were offered a job of the back of it, you can highlight how your strengths led to career progression.

When shouldn’t I use a combined CV?

You should avoid using a combined CV if you;

Have little experience or achievements

Have employment gaps

Are a fan of short, concise CV’s – combined CV’s tend to be longer than your standard functional or chronological CV.

What should I consider when writing a CV?

Recruiters get a lot of CVs, and each one has their own list of do’s and don’ts. However, here are some tips that are applicable to all types of CV and recruiter;

It should be 2pp of A4

Always tailor the CV to the role you are applying for

Read the job description beforehand and include the action verbs used

Include all contact details

Use bullet points and lay each point out clearly

List skills, achievements, qualifications and work experience (and include dates).

However, do not list every achievement you have. Unfortunately, doing your Duke of Edinburgh in the quickest time in your year group is probably not an achievement that will get you a role as an ACA Trainee. Focus on the relevant attributes that the role requires and adjust your achievements accordingly.

Allow enough white space between text and bullet points

Never include your photo, age, nationality, sex or religion

Questions to ask yourself before you send off your CV

Before you fire off several combined CV’s, step back and ask yourself the following;